Despite some recent dental woes, I am absolutely feeling the Fall season. Pumpkin spice is everywhere from my candles to my kitchen, I've busted out the autumnal decor, and now as we near closer to my favorite holiday, Halloween, it seems only right that I review My Pretty Zombie cosmetics at this time. Started in 2010, the self proclaimed underground cosmetics company has creativity to spare. From their Butcher Shop Collection (ironic since some of the shades are vegan) to the WTF Collection, the unique colors and mantra of the brand are just plain fun. MPZ cosmetics also offers blush in addition to their loose mineral eye shadows, and a wonderful little thing called Mr. Pickles Miraculous Beauty Dust.
Chances are you are wondering about the photo at top. The five shadows I purchased came packaged in a black, Chinese food takeout style box with MPZ's signature "severed finger" attached with a pink ribbon. Needless to say, I got quite a kick out of it.
The photo above was taken in artificial light and, as they are mostly pastels, it's a bit difficult to capture their true beauty. From top to bottom: Tenderloin, Fatback, Celery and Bile, Law Firm Lamb Cake, and Rabid Weasel (I chose the You Pick 5 Eyeshadow Set for $20). Tenderloin and Fatback are from the
Butcher Shop Collection. Tenderloin is a gorgeous shade of red wine with a purple/blue shift and Fatback is a surprisingly feminine, baby pink with an iridescent quality to it. Celery and Bile is a mint green with a white gold shift, and Rabid Weasel is a matte gray with a blue undertone to it. I must address Law Firm Lamb Cake separately for several reasons: 1 - I'm a lawyer and "law firm" has never, EVER made it into the cosmetics realm in this fashion. 2 - This is an extremely unique formula. It's a mix of iridescent white/gray shadow with bits of iridescent glitter mixed in! It requires a primer, preferably a glitter adhesive, but it's absolutely amazing on. I fully intend to mix it into some lip gloss just for fun one of these days. 3 - It makes an excellent highlighter. Just perfect. It is my favorite of the lot.
Above is a quick eye look I did using Fatback all over, and Tenderloin in the crease.
The Pros:
If you're a gal that likes unique makeup that's just a touch on the dark side, MPZ is for you. I just love how this brand doesn't take itself too seriously and has fun, exciting color options for every taste. There are many ways to purchase eye shadows, too. Although I can't see how you could resist buying multiple shades, you can purchase one single pot, a whole collection, or colors from the entire line. The website clearly states what is safe for eyes and lips, and also which shades are vegan. Have an adventurous cosmetics lover in your life? MPZ offers gift cards, which is a perfect way to let a friend try this loveable line. 5 gram eyeshadow pots are $5 each, and I received 2 sample shadows and a sample of Mr. Pickles Miraculous Beauty Dust (finishing powder) - LOVE.
The Cons:
The website recently got a makeover and although it is easy to navigate, things seem to be in strange order... Prices are also confusing in that a collection of 4 or 5 shades may sell for $20, but choosing 3 shades runs about $15. You'll want to check around to be sure you're getting the best deal, whatever route you're taking. I'm a rather clumsy person and I prefer my loose shadows to come with a sifter for that very reason (fyi - sifters are the little plastic covers with the holes in them that's just under the lid of the eyeshadow pot). There are no sifters with these shadows and so it requires a little extra caution when opening as there's nothing to hold the shadows in place once the lid is off.
My Pretty Zombie is a little bit creepy and a lot pretty. There's no need for a lot of fluff or fancy advertising here, just quality cosmetics... and fun.
